Eighty years don’t even seem enough to encompass everything Ken-Calebs Olumese has accomplished. For more than 30 years, the man fondly called The Guv’nor, bestrode the nightlife scene like an undisputed generalissimo. After redefining the concept and business of nightclubbing in Nigeria in the 1980s with his Niteshift Coliseum, Olumese wasted no time putting his stardom to work.
For a man who makes fame and fortune in the business of wine, women and money, he has since slowed down and retired. The Edo-born entertainment impresario turned 80 on Monday 27 May yet, he remains remarkably influential within the showbiz ecosystem. His habits and businesses have evolved too. Olumese neither clubs, smokes nor drinks anymore —he has since divorced from his favorite Benson & Hedges Cigarette and Remy Martin Cognac— but his sociability is still sharp and witty, with an extra tinge of existential clarity. Love him or hate him, it’s hard to think of any other creative colossus who’s still such a force at age 80.
When the man with another trendy moniker, ‘The Effendi’, joined the Octogenarian Club two months ago, there was a small fête in his plush Ikota Estate, Lagos home. But the grand soiree was deferred till last Saturday 27 July. And to ring in Olumese’s special day, friends, family and high net worth guests turned out for a Special Grand House Reception at the La Madison Event Centre in Lekki Phase 1 to honour one of Nigeria’s finest showbiz impresarios. Needless to say, the evening turned out to be a warm celebration full of love for a man of style who always exudes confidence, charm and charisma. The day was not just for merriment and drinking but to celebrate the amazing memories he has created with so many people throughout their lives.
During the one-of-a-kind Special GHR, Olumese was placed on the ‘Hot Seat’ to respond to various questions from his friends and associates. His responses evoked nostalgic memories. The ‘birthday boy’ later stepped down from the hot seat to the dance floor and wow, could the man with swagger dance! Some of the distinguished guests joined him as he danced with his wife, children and grandchildren.
Tributes also poured in from great Nigerians including from Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Sam Egube. Fiery Senior Lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome gave the toast and described Olumese as a true patriot and man of style.
At the superlative soiree, anchored by the duo of Okey Bakassi and Kate Henshaw, inimitable Olumese’s autobiography titled ‘My NiteShift Coliseum Odyssey’ was unveiled. The over 300-page has over 50 colour pages replete with vintage pictures of the eminently gifted entrepreneur and genial man of the world. It also exposes indelible insights in the making and trajectory of a man who defied great anguish, tribulations, calamities and setbacks to build, unarguably, the biggest and most respected multi-layered entertainment outfit south of the Sahara.